Vision health is essential for all family members, regardless of age. Regular eye exams and treatments help detect vision problems early and ensure that your family members—from the youngest to the oldest—maintain optimal eye health. In Alberta, residents are fortunate to have eye care partially covered by Alberta Health Care at different stages of life. However, coverage varies depending on age and medical needs, so it’s important to understand what is included at each stage of life.
We’ll walk you through the eye care coverage provided by Alberta Health Care for children, adults, and seniors. Dr. Sam Dhaliwal and associates are here if you need an Edmonton optometrist.
Eye Care Coverage for Children (Ages 0–18)
What’s Covered?
The first 18 years of life are critical for the development of your child’s vision. Fortunately, Alberta Health Care covers one complete eye exam per year for children aged 0–18. These annual exams are essential for detecting conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, which can significantly affect a child’s ability to learn and interact with the world around them.
In addition to the yearly eye exam, additional exams and treatments may be covered if they are deemed medically necessary. Alberta Health Care steps in to cover those costs if your child develops an eye infection, experiences an injury, or needs follow-up appointments for specific conditions.
Why is this Important for Families?
Children often don’t realize they have vision problems because they assume everyone sees the world as they do. As a parent, it’s important to stay on top of their vision health. Problems like amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes) are best treated early, and regular eye exams are key to catching these issues before they become more serious.
SD Eyecare provides comprehensive eye exams for children, ensuring that any vision problems are detected and treated promptly. We also make it easy for parents to schedule appointments for multiple children at once, making family eye care more convenient.
Eye Care Coverage for Adults (Ages 19–64)
What’s Covered?
For adults aged 19–64, Alberta Health Care does not cover routine eye exams. However, many employers offer insurance plans that do cover annual eye exams, so it’s worth checking your benefits package. Alternatively, private insurance plans are available for individuals and families to ensure regular eye exams are covered.
While routine exams are not included, Alberta Health Care covers urgent eye care and medically necessary adult treatments. This includes conditions like eye infections, injuries, and chronic conditions like glaucoma, where follow-up care is needed.
Why Regular Eye Exams Matter
Even if Alberta Health Care doesn’t cover routine exams for adults, it’s important not to skip them. As we age, our vision changes, and conditions like presbyopia (age-related farsightedness), cataracts, and early signs of glaucoma can start to develop. Regular exams help catch these conditions early, before they worsen and significantly impact your quality of life.
Parents, in particular, should be mindful of their own vision health, as eye strain from working at computers or looking after children can take a toll. Leading by example by prioritizing your own eye care will encourage your children to do the same. SD Eyecare offers affordable eye exams for adults and provides convenient scheduling to fit your busy lifestyle.
Eye Care Coverage for Seniors (Ages 65+)
What’s Covered?
Alberta Health Care covers one complete eye exam annually for seniors 65 and older. This coverage renews every July 1, ensuring seniors can stay on top of their vision health year after year. Alberta Health Care also covers follow-up appointments and treatments for conditions commonly affecting seniors, such as glaucoma, diabetes-related eye problems, and cataracts.
Maintaining good vision health is crucial for seniors’ independence and quality of life. Whether it’s reading, driving, or recognizing faces, good vision is a key part of staying active and connected to the world around you.
Eye Care Tips for Seniors and Their Families
As family members age, it’s important to ensure they are receiving the eye care they need. In addition to routine exams, seniors should also take steps to protect their eyes by wearing sunglasses to prevent UV damage and eating a diet rich in nutrients like vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids.
At SD Eyecare, we understand the specific needs of seniors. Our experienced optometrists are trained to detect and treat age-related vision problems, providing personalized care to help seniors maintain their independence.
Urgent Eye Care and Medically Necessary Treatments for All Ages
What’s Covered?
No matter your age, Alberta Health Care covers urgent eye care and medically necessary treatments. This includes services for eye infections, injuries, and any other condition that requires immediate attention. If you or a family member experiences sudden vision loss, eye pain, or other acute symptoms. In that case, Alberta Health Care will cover the necessary treatments and follow-up care costs.
Why Urgent Care is Important for Families
Eye injuries and infections can happen suddenly, and when they do, it’s important to seek care quickly. Ignoring symptoms or delaying treatment can result in permanent damage to your vision. Fortunately, most optometrists keep emergency appointments open for urgent care, ensuring you can be seen immediately.
At SD Eyecare, we offer prompt and efficient urgent care services. Whether it’s a child who has injured their eye during play, or an adult experiencing sudden eye pain, our team is equipped to diagnose and treat the issue, helping prevent long-term complications.
How SD Eyecare Can Help Your Family
SD Eyecare is committed to providing high-quality, personalized eye care to all members of your family. From children’s eye exams to senior care, we offer a full range of services to help you maximize your Alberta Health Care coverage. Our knowledgeable team can answer any questions about insurance coverage and direct billing.
We understand that life can get busy, especially for families, so we offer flexible scheduling options. Whether you need to book an appointment for yourself or your entire family, we’re here to help.
Book an Appointment Today
Maintaining healthy vision is important for every stage of life. Whether you have young children who need their first eye exam, are an adult looking to stay on top of your vision health, or have elderly family members who need regular check-ups, SD Eyecare is here to support your family’s needs.